For five days you will be discovering Ireland’s beautiful nature and colorful history on
horseback. Your horse will be carrying you around 120 miles from County Galway which is situated in the Midwest of Ireland westwards through the rural areas of County Clare into the unique Burren region. On the sixth day you will be taking part in the world famous “Matchmaking Festival” in Lisdoonvarna and visiting the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Saturday - Transfer from the Shannon Airport to your Irish Riding Lodge. You can take a relaxing stroll on the nearby East Clare Walking Trail or a guided boat tour to the historical 9th century Holy Island monastic settlement. In the evening, you meet your fellow riders during a candlelight and open turf dinner in the restored An Sibin farmhouse.

Day 2 - Sunday - After you become acquainted with your horse, the ride meanders through the peaceful forests of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. In the afternoon, your horse carries you along a historical trail used by the Irish hero, Sarsfield, during his daring attack on the Williamite siege train. You then ride across the lush Irish countryside to abundant purple and red heather fields and sandy bogs.

Day 3 - Monday - Your horse ascends over the hills of the Slieve Aughty Mountains for a fascinating view of the majestic Lough Derg and River Shannon. Along the road, you will see the ruins of old farm and miles of stonewalls, Your guide will tell you about the effects Ireland’s significant famine on the local people. After a midday tasty lunch, you ride to the bog land to witness farmers cutting and drying the turf in the traditional way. You will see a Neolithic dolmen - with the legendary name “Oisin`s and Grainne`s Grave” which proves that this area was hallowed 5000 years ago. In the distance, the 9th century round tower on Holy Island can be spotted.

Day 4 - Tuesday - Leaving the sheltered pasture, you ride through thick forests to the sandy shores of Lough Graney. You ride across this beautiful lake to the idyllic Irish farmland - old stone walls surrounding verdant green fields dotted with peacefully grazing sheep and cattle.

Day 5 - Wednesday - You ride across secluded forest trails to Glandaria (the Valley of the Kings), the wide fertile valley of the River Shannon cherished by ancient Irish kings. After a picnic lunch along the river, your horse carries you across the boggy uplands for a breathtaking view of the Burren National Park. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Galway Bay. Your lodging is in the charming village of Corofin with numerous pubs for you to enjoy.

Day 6 - Thursday - The moon-like landscape of the limestone Burren is your venue. From horseback, you will enjoy the colorful flora and fauna which is home to rare animal and bird species as well as a stunning variety of prehistoric settlements. Dolmens and wedge tombs surround Norman stone fort ruins and Celtic ring forts. The next two nights you lodge in Lisdoonvarna, which is famous for traditional music in the pubs and town square during the Matchmaking Festival.

Day 7 - Friday - Today you will visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher which overlook the Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands, Afterwards you will enjoy the lively atmosphere of the country wide Matchmaking Festival where singles from around the world gather for traditional music, dancing and shopping.

Day 8 - Saturday - After breakfast you will be transferred to the Shannon Airport.

The itinerary might change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control
DETAILS:

Dates: September 11-18th, 2010
Length of ride: 5 days

Meeting point: Shannon Airport
Ability level: Walk, trot, canter

Horse: Irish draught, Connemara, Piebald

Group size: 4 - 10

Saddles: English

Non-riding activity: Golfing, hiking

Hotel/s: 3*** Irish Hunting Lodge 

Price per person: $1,544 per person, double occupancy 
$179 single supplement


*Prices are quoted in U.S. dollars but are billed in euros. The exchange rate will be fixed on the date of your final payment.

Includes: 7 nights B & B, 5 days guided trail rides, some meals, horse, tack, guide luggage transfers and tax.

Not included: Air fare, Cliffs of Moher lunch